I am traveling to Cape Town, South Aferica this sunday. My flight leaves Los Angles INT -------> Paris ----------->Johannesburg --------> Cape Town. What are the drone laws in this country?


Am I going to be allowed to take my drone to cape town and what are the regulations. like am I going to need a license to fly. (I am just using it for recreational  use.)



please answer!!!

If I were you, I would refer to the link below to check the regulatory information first.
http://www.dji.com/flysafe#regulatory-links

DJI-Thor Posted at 2017-6-5 00:28
If I were you, I would refer to the link below to check the regulatory information first.
http://www.dji.com/flysafe#regulatory-links

Thank you very much!

The laws are simple, you must be able to:  a). Correctly spell the name of the country you are visiting and, b). Correctly spell the name of your own city.      

Think you may need a license.

https://mybroadband.co.za/news/g ... new-drone-laws.html

Basically you are not allowed to fly in towns and cities in South Africa without a license, also not in national parks. 50 m from roads, not further than 500 m vlos, not higher 120 m. BUT nobody is really checking!

Hi, you most certainly can fly in and around Cape Town, and indeed most of South Africa. If you are a hobbyist you do not need permits or licences. The normal common sense rules apply. Not anywhere near airports. Not over public roads. Not over people and gatherings. not over government buildings and monuments. I would keep you ceiling at 100m as the helicopers fly around Cape Town at 400m, sometimes a bit lower.
There are so many breathtaking opportunities for drone photography around Cape Town that you really do not have to fly over any of the abovementioned. You really have to go tp Blaauwberg Beach on a calm evening and take the Table mountain shot over the bay. it is worth it and very cool. Not to mention the beer at the Blue Peter. Enjoy

Kingfisher2 Posted at 2017-6-6 02:06
Hi, you most certainly can fly in and around Cape Town, and indeed most of South Africa. If you are a hobbyist you do not need permits or licences. The normal common sense rules apply. Not anywhere near airports. Not over public roads. Not over people and gatherings. not over government buildings and monuments. I would keep you ceiling at 100m as the helicopers fly around Cape Town at 400m, sometimes a bit lower.
There are so many breathtaking opportunities for drone photography around Cape Town that you really do not have to fly over any of the abovementioned. You really have to go tp Blaauwberg Beach on a calm evening and take the Table mountain shot over the bay. it is worth it and very cool. Not to mention the beer at the Blue Peter. Enjoy

Thank you so!! really helps!

fansa858565b Posted at 2017-6-5 21:47
Basically you are not allowed to fly in towns and cities in South Africa without a license, also not in national parks. 50 m from roads, not further than 500 m vlos, not higher 120 m. BUT nobody is really checking!

Thanks for the advice. Helps alot.

Kingfisher2 is 100% correct - no licence needed for hobby flying. The information from the Civil Aviation Authority is here  Just one thing - be careful of the "10km from an airport" part - in Cape Town you could easily be on a beach within 10km of the Airport...  And as far as I'm concerned, you are welcome to spell South Africa or Los Angeles however the !@#$ you like. Enjoy Cape Town!

Watch yourself in SA and specifically Cape Town. It is rough. Many poor people who have nothing to loose who could see your drone as a payday. There may be laws for drones, but the laws of the street are efficient, scary and violent when called for.

OP, all I can say is talk to someone who lives in Cape Town before you decide.

fanscf7167e7 Posted at 2017-6-6 18:11
Thanks for the advice. Helps alot.

When you are done flying in Cape Town, try the Overberg district(over the mountain), lots of beautiful places to fly. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the weather conditions in the area before flying. I am going to inspect my fishing spots later today with my mavic and then going fishing  

fanscf7167e7 Posted at 2017-6-6 18:11
Thanks for the advice. Helps alot.

Oh and Welcome in the Western Cape....